Resveratrol attenuates doxorubicin-induced cellular damage by modulating nitric oxide and apoptosis

(Nano)biotechnological approaches in the treatment of cervical cancer: integration of engineering and biology

Cervical cancer is one of the most malignant gynaecological tumors characterised with the aggressive behaviour of the tumor cells. In spite of the development of different strategies for the treatment of cervical cancer, the tumor cells have developed resistance to conventional therapeutics. On the other hand, nanoparticles have been recently applied for the treatment of human cancers through delivery of drugs and facilitate tumor suppression. The stimuli-sensitive nanostructures can improve the release of therapeutics at the tumor site. In the present review, the nanostructures for the treatment of cervical cancer are discussed. Nanostructures can deliver both chemotherapy drugs and natural compounds to increase anti-cancer activity and prevent drug resistance in cervical tumor. Moreover, the genetic tools such as siRNA can be delivered by nanoparticles to enhance their accumulation at tumor site. In order to enhance selectivity, the stimuli-responsive nanoparticles such as pH- and redox-responsive nanocarriers have been developed to suppress cervical tumor. Moreover, nanoparticles can induce photo-thermal and photodynamic therapy to accelerate cell death in cervical tumor. In addition, nanobiotechnology demonstrates tremendous potential in the treatment of cervical cancer, especially in the context of tumor immunotherapy. Overall, metal-, carbon-, lipid- and polymer-based nanostructures have been utilized in cervical cancer therapy. Finally, hydrogels have been developed as novel kinds of carriers to encapsulate therapeutics and improve anti-cancer activity.

Role of Anonychium africanum (Plantae, Fabaceae) in Metal Oxido-Inflammatory Response: Protection Evidence in Gonad of Male Albino Rat

Male fertility is strongly affected by the overexpression of free radicals induced by heavy metals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gonado-protective effects of natural compounds. Biochemical and morphological assays were performed on male albino rats divided into five groups: a control group (water only), a group orally exposed to a metal mixture of Pb-Cd-Hg-As alone and three groups co-administered the metal mixture and an aqueous extract of the Nigerian medicinal plant, Anonychium africanum (Prosopis africana, PA), at three different concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg) for 60 days. The metal mixture induced a significant rise in testicular weight, metal bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while the semen analysis indicated a lower viability and a decrease in normal sperm count, and plasma reproductive hormones showed a significant variation. Parallel phytochemical investigations showed that PA has bioactive compounds like phlobatannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids, which are protective against oxidative injury in neural tissues. Indeed, the presence of PA co-administered with the metal mixture mitigated the toxic metals' impact, which was determined by observing the oxido-inflammatory response via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, thus boosting male reproductive health.

African mesquite elicits neuroprotective activity against quaternary metal mixture -induced olfactory bulb-hippocampal oxido-inflammatory stress via nrf2-hmox-1pathway

African mesquite AM is widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent in sub-Sahara Africa especially Nigeria. Given its strong anti-inflammatory potency, this study has evaluated the neuroprotective properties of AM in the hippocampus HIP and olfactory bulb OB of rats exposed to Cd, As, Hg, and Pb. Twenty-five albino Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups in this experiment. Group 1, the control received only water. Group 2 received heavy metal mixture HMM (PbCl2 (20 mg/kg), CdCl2 (1.61 mg/kg), HgCl2 (0.40 mg/kg), and NaAsO3 (10 mg/kg), for 60 days. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with HMM along with AM at doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg, respectively. AM decreased the Cd, As, Hg, and Pb levels in OB and HIP, restored the activities of antioxidants, Hmox-1, reduced the activities of AChE, NRF2 and NFkB and improved histopathology.

Selenium and zinc supplementation mitigates metals-(loids) mixture- mediated cardiopulmonary toxicity via attenuation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms in female Sprague Dawley rats

This study evaluated the cardiopulmonary protective effects of essential elements (Zn and Se) against heavy metals mixture (HMM) exposure. Twenty five female Sprague Dawley albino rats, divided in to five groups: controls were orally treated only with distilled water; next, group 2 was exposed to HMM with the following concentrations: 20 mg/kg of Pb body weight, 0.40 mg/kg of Hg, 0.56 mg/kg of Mn, and 35 mg/kg of Al. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were exposed to HMM and co-treated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2; 0.80 mg/kg), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3;1.50 mg/kg) and both zinc chloride and sodium selenite, respectively. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Afterwards animals were sacrificed, and we conduced biochemical and histopathological examination of the heart and lungs. HMM only exposed animals had an increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), increased IL-6 and TNF-α, attenuated SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH and caspase 3 in the heart and lungs. HMM affected NF-kB and Nrf2 in the heart muscle with histomorphological alterations. Zn and Se attenuated adverse effects of HMM exposure. Essential element supplementation ameliorated heavy metal cardiopulmonary intoxication in rats.

Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: Scoping review article

Introduction

Doxorubicin (dox) is classified as an antineoplastic antibiotic which is known as adriamycin from the anthracycline group. Due to the release of free radicals and lipid peroxidation which can cause acute cardiotoxicity. Coenzyme Q10 is found in many cells of the body, it is an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.

Aim

This scoping review aims to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of coenzyme Q10 in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in animals.

Methods

This review was done based on Arksey and O'Malley's methodology, reviewing published articles from October 1978 and September 2023.

Results

14 out of 11,303 articles were included from the initial search, (10 out of 14 articles found that coenzyme Q10 protect has a protection effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity).

Conclusion

The results of this review found coenzyme Q10 protects against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. It is a promising supplement that could be used to prevent cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in cancer patients.

Resveratrol may dose-dependently modulate nephrin and OTULIN levels in a doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity model

One of the most important side effects of Doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapeutic agent, is nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this study is to determine whether different doses of natural polyphenol Resveratrol (RSV) show antioxidative, anti-inflammatory or antiapoptotic effects in kidney tissue in DOX-induced nephrotoxicity and to detect how nephrin and OTULIN levels are affected in this process. A total of six equal groups made up of the 42 Sprague-Dawley rats utilized in the study (n = 7) were randomly assigned. Except for the control group (no treatment), all treatments were given intraperitoneally to the DOX (15 mg/kg), DOX + RSV I (15 mg/kg DOX+ 1 mg/kg/day RSV), DOX + RSV II (15 mg/kg DOX+ 5 mg/kg/day RSV), RSV I and RSV II groups. Kidney tissues taken from rats sacrificed on the fifteenth day were analyzed biochemically, histologically and immunohistochemically. Accordingly, it was determined that nephrin and OTULIN levels decreased in kidney tissue in DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, DOX caused oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as histopathological changes in kidney tissue. However, it was observed that DOX-induced changes were regulated by RSV application. RSV was demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in dose-dependent DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. RSV may exert nephroprotective effects by modulating DOX-induced altered nephrin and OTULIN levels.

Selenium and zinc alleviate quaternary metal mixture -induced neurotoxicity in rats by inhibiting oxidative damage and modulating the expressions of NF-kB and Nrf2/Hmox-1 pathway

Background

This study evaluated the potential protective effects of Zn and Se in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, two fundamentally important brain regions, in albino rats that were exposed to heavy metals mixture (Al, Pb, Hg and Mn).

Methods

Animals were divided into five groups of seven animals per group with following patterns of exposure, controls group 1 were orally treated with deionized water for 60 days; group 2 was exposed to heavy metal mixture (HMM) with following concentrations (20 mg·kg-1 of Pb body weight; 0.40 mg·kg-1 of Hg; 0.56 mg·kg-1 of Mn; and 35 mg·kg-1; of Al), while groups 3,4 and 5 were exposed to HMM and orally co-treated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2; 0.80 mg/kg), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3;1.50 mg/kg) and zinc chloride plus sodium selenite (ZnCl0.2 + Na2SeO3) respectively.

Results

Exposure to HMM depressed cellular antioxidant apparatus, induced generation of lipid peroxidation markers (Malondialdehyde and NO), downregulated expression of transcription factors (Nrf2, and NF-kB) and upregulated Caspase 3 levels. HMM potentiated acetylcholinesterase activity and induced moderate histopathological alterations. Nevertheless, Zn, Se and in particular Zn + Se had recovering effects on all mentioned hazardous effects produced by HMM exposure in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum.

Conclusions

Selenium and zinc exert neuroprotection via Nrf2/NF-kB signaling pathways against quaternary heavy metal mixture-induced impairments in albino Sprague Dawley rats.

Zinc and selenium attenuate quaternary heavy metal mixture-induced testicular damage via amplification of the antioxidant system, reduction in metal accumulation, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers

Heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) are highly toxic elements. They are often found together in nature as a heavy metal mixture (HMM) and are known to contribute to subfertility/infertility as environmental pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of treating HMM-induced testicular pathophysiology with zinc (Zn) and/or selenium (Se). Six-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into 5 (n = 7). The control group received deionized water, while the other groups were treated with PbCl2 (20 mg kg-1), CdCl2 (1.61 mg kg-1), HgCl2 (0.40 mg kg-1), and Na2AsO3 (10 mg kg-1) in deionized water for 60 days. Additionally, groups III to V received Zn, Se, and Zn/Se, respectively, for 60 days. The study evaluated testis weight, metal accumulation, sperm analysis, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, oxidative stress, antioxidants, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and presented structural changes in the testis as micrographs. HMM caused a significant increase in testis weight, metal accumulation, prolactin, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while significantly decreasing semen analysis, FSH, LH, and testosterone. Histology showed decreased spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis, as evidenced by the structure of the germ cells and spermatids. However, Zn, Se, or both ameliorated and reversed some of the observed damages. This study provides further evidence for the mitigative potential of Zn, Se, or both in reversing the damage inflicted by HMM in the testis, and as a countermeasure towards improving HM-induced decrease in public health fecundity.

Graphical abstract

Is losartan a promising agent for the treatment of type 1 diabetes-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis in rats?

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common metabolic disease that poses a major risk to public health and fertility. Previous studies indicate that DM may cause male infertility by triggering oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in the testis. Due to the undesirable effects of known antidiabetic drugs, scientists have begun to investigate the use of alternative drugs to control infertility complications observed in men. In this context, present study aimed to investigate the possible antiapoptotic effect of losartan against DM-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Expreimental DM model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg) to 28 rats, which were then randomly assigned to 4 groups; 1 mL saline solution was given to DM + saline group by oral gavage, 5 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM + low-dose losartan, 20 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM + mid-dose losartan and, 80 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM + high-dose losartan group for 4 weeks. Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-Caspase 3 immunoexpression, terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling (TUNEL), Annexin-V and Real Time PCR analyses performed to evaluate antiapoptotic effects of losartan on diabetic rats' testis. In addition, biochemical analyzes carried out to evaluate change in oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that losartan may have dose-related antiapoptotic effects on rats' testis via decreasing oxidative stress.

Essential Trace Elements Prevent the Impairment in the Retention Memory, Cerebral Cortex, and Cerebellum Damage in Male Rats Exposed to Quaternary Metal Mixture by Up-regulation, of Heme Oxygynase-1 and Down-regulation of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related Factor 2-NOs Signaling Pathways

In the present study, we examined adverse effects of metals and metalloids in the Cerebral cortex (CC) and Cerebellum (CE). Group 1 comprised from the controls while other four groups of male Wistar rats were treated with following pattern: Group II (Heavy Metal Mixture HMM only: PbCl₂, 20 mg·kg^-1; CdCl₂, 1.61 mg·kg^-1; HgCl₂, 0.40 mg·kg^-1, and NaAsO₃,10 mg·kg^-1), Groups III (HMM + ZnCl₂); Group IV (HMM + Na₂SeO₃) and Group V (HMM + ZnCl₂ + Na₂SeO₃) for 60 days per os. HMM promoted oxidative stress in the CC and CE of treated rats compared to controls; moreover, exposure to HMM led to increased activity of the AChE and pro-inflammatory cytokines; also, HMM promoted accumulation of caspase 3 and other transcriptional factors such as Nrf2 and decreased levels of Hmox-1. Essential metals reduced increased bioaccumulation of Pb, Cd, As and Hg in CC and CE caused by HMM exposure. Also, all mentioned adverse effects were diminished by essential metals treatment (Se and Zn). HMM exposed rats had considerably less escape dormancy than controls. Histopathological analysis revealed moderate cell loss at the intermediate (Purkinje cell) and granular layer. Zinc and selenium supplementations could reverse adverse effects of heavy metals at various cellular levels in neurons.

Role of Dietary Polyphenols in the Activity and Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthases: A Review

Nitric oxide (NO) plays several key roles in the functionality of an organism, and it is usually released in numerous organs and tissues. There are mainly three isoforms of the enzyme that produce NO starting from the metabolism of arginine, namely endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The expression and activity of these isoforms depends on the activation/deactivation of different signaling pathways at an intracellular level following different physiological and pathological stimuli. Compounds of natural origin such as polyphenols, which are obtainable through diet, have been widely studied in recent years in in vivo and in vitro investigations for their ability to induce or inhibit NO release, depending on the tissue. In this review, we aim to disclose the scientific evidence relating to the activity of the main dietary polyphenols in the modulation of the intracellular pathways involved in the expression and/or functionality of the NOS isoforms.

The antioxidant properties of resveratrol on sperm parameters, testicular tissue, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation in isoflurane-induced toxicity in mice

This study explores whether resveratrol effectively protects the reproductive system against isoflurane-induced toxicity in testicular tissue. In this experiment, we randomly divided 60 adult male C57BL/6 mice into six groups (n = 10). Five consecutive days per week, mice were exposed to 1.5% isoflurane for 1 h/day and were given 50 and 100 mg/kg resveratrol. After 35 days (the completion of the mouse spermatogenesis period), the left testis was removed for histomorphometric evaluations, while the right testis was used to determine the Capacity of total antioxidants and lipid peroxidation. To analyze the Parameters of sperm, chromatin maturation, and DNA fragmentation, the left caudal epididymis was used. Based on a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), we considered a difference in means of 0.05 to be significant (P0.05). Compared to the control group, the isoflurane group showed a significant decrease in testicular weight, volume, sperm parameters, and tissue histomorphometry. Comparatively, to the control group, malondialdehyde levels increased, and the total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly. Resveratrol improved all of the above parameters in the simultaneous treatment groups compared to the isoflurane group. It did not, however, reach the level of the control group in all cases. It has been demonstrated that resveratrol, with its powerful antioxidant properties, reduces the reproductive toxicity of isoflurane by inhibiting free radicals and increasing the testicular tissue's antioxidant capacity.

Yi Shen An, a Chinese traditional prescription, ameliorates membranous glomerulonephritis induced by cationic bovine serum albumin in rats

CONTEXT

Yi Shen An (YSA) is an investigational composite of traditional Chinese medicine (Reference: 2010L000974) for the treatment of renal disease.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effects of YSA against membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with cationic bovine serum albumin (C-BSA) to create a model of MGN. Then, rats were orally treated with YSA at doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg for 35 successive days; prednisone (5 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. At the end of the experimental period, we performed a series of tests, including 24 h urinary protein, and biochemical, immunological, antioxidative, coagulation indices, and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

YSA-1 g/kg significantly lowered urinary protein from 68.37 to 30.74 mg (p < 0.01). Meantime, total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) recovered from 66.26 and 20.51 g/L to 76.08 and 35.64 g/L (p < 0.01), respectively. YSA removed the deposition of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement 3c (C3c), prevented inter-capillary cell hyperplasia on the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), and reduced electron-dense deposits and fusion of podocytes. In addition, serum IgG and superoxide dismutase were significantly elevated. In contrast, malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, triglyceride, circulating immune complex (CIC), and immunoglobulin M decreased in the YSA-treated group. Moreover, the blood coagulation dysfunction was adjusted.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate YSA may exert a therapeutic effect against MGN through the inhibition of CIC formation, and the removal of IgG and C3c deposition from the GBM, thus supporting the development of further clinical trials.

Thymoquinone alleviates doxorubicin induced acute kidney injury by decreasing endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used as an anticancer drug despite its many side effects. Thymoquinone (THQ) is a plant-derived substance that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the protective effects of THQ on DOX induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into five groups of eight: group 1, untreated control; group 2, olive oil group given olive oil intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days; group 3, THQ group given 10 mg/kg THQ i.p. for 14 days; group 4, DOX group given a single dose of 15 mg/kg DOX i.p. on day 7 of experiment; group 5, DOX + THQ given 10 mg/kg THQ i.p. for 14 days and 15 mg/kg DOX i.p. on day 7. Kidney tissues were evaluated for histopathology. Caspase-3, IL-17, GRP78 and TNF-α immunostaining was used to determine the expression levels of these proteins among the groups. The TUNEL method was used to determine the apoptotic index. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and TNF-α and TGF-β1 levels in kidney tissue were measured using ELISA assay. Histopathologic damage, caspase-3, IL-17, GRP78 and TNF-α immunoreactivity, TUNEL positive cells, TOS, TNF-α and TGF-β1 levels were increased in group 4 compared to group 1. The TAS of group 4 decreased compared to group 1. We found decreased caspase-3, IL-17, GRP78 and TNF-α expressions and TUNEL positive cells in group 5 compared to group 4. In rats given DOX, THQ reduced kidney damage by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and apoptosis pathways.

Nano-Resveratrol: A Promising Candidate for the Treatment of Renal Toxicity Induced by Doxorubicin in Rats Through Modulation of Beclin-1 and mTOR

Background: Although doxorubicin (DXR) is one of the most used anticancer drugs, it can cause life-threatening renal damage. There has been no effective treatment for DXR-induced renal damage until now.

Aim: This work aims at examining the potential impact of nano-resveratrol (N-Resv), native resveratrol (Resv), and their combination with carvedilol (Card) against DXR-induced renal toxicity in rats and to investigate the mechanisms through which these antioxidants act to ameliorate DXR nephrotoxicity. Method: DXR was administered to rats (2 mg/kg, i.p.) twice weekly over 5 weeks. The antioxidants in question were taken 1 week before the DXR dose for 6 weeks.

Results: DXR exhibited an elevation in serum urea, creatinine, renal lipid peroxide levels, endoglin expression, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and beclin-1. On the other hand, renal podocin and mTOR expression and GSH levels were declined. In addition, DNA fragmentation was markedly increased in the DXR-administered group. Treatment with either Resv or N-Resv alone or in combination with Card ameliorated the previously measured parameters.

Conclusion: N-Resv showed superior effectiveness relative to Resv in most of the measured parameters. Histopathological examination revealed amelioration of renal structural and cellular changes after DXR by Card and N-Resv, thus validating the previous biochemical and molecular results.

Protective effects of berberine as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent against nephrotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

PURPOSE

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent with nephrotoxicity that constrains its clinical application. Berberine is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid with biological functions like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The current research intended to examine the nephroprotective impacts of berberine against cyclophosphamide-stimulated nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Forty animal subjects were randomly separated into five categories of control (Group I), cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg, i.p., on 7th day) (Group II), and groups III and IV that received berberine 50 and 100 mg/kg orally for seven days and a single injection of cyclophosphamide on 7th day. Group V as berberine (100 mg/kg, alone). On day 8, blood samples were drawn from the retro-orbital sinus to determine serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) as biomarkers for kidney injury. Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities as oxidative stress factors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels as inflammatory mediators were assessed in kidney tissue.

RESULTS

The results of this study demonstrated that berberine was able to protect remarkably the kidney from CP-induced injury through decreasing the level of BUN, Cr, NGAL, KIM-1, NO, MDA TNF-α, IL-1β and increasing the level of GSH, CAT, SOD, and GPx activities.

CONCLUSION

Berberine may be employed as a natural agent to prevent cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Berberine ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major urologic problem that mostly develops in older males. Oxidative stress and inflammation influence the occurrence of BPH. Berberine (BBR) is a natural ingredient that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research aims at examining the effects of BBR on testosterone-stimulated BPH in rats.

METHODS

Animals were randomly categorized to six groups. In the control group, normal saline and olive oil were injected as the vehicle. BPH group: received testosterone (3 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 28 days), BPH + BBR groups; received BBR (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BPH + finasteride groups: received finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BBR (50 mg/kg, p.o, alone) was administered for subjects in the BBR group. On the 29th day, after anesthesia, cervical dislocation was used to kill the subjects. Serum concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone was measured and prostate tissues were excised and used for biochemical, inflammation, and histological analysis.

RESULTS

BBR prevented increased serum concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. BBR considerably reduced BPH-stimulated oxidative stress and inflammation through preventing the rise in lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration and declined the accumulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α) and declining the depletion rate of GSH and the function of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Histopathological investigations reported that administration of BBR could suppress testosterone-stimulated BPH.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that BBR could significantly prevent the development of BPH in rats.

The regulatory effects of clomiphene and tamoxifen on mTOR and LC3-II expressions in relation to autophagy in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disease that causes infertility due to anovulation in women in reproductive age. It is known that clomiphene citrate (CC) and tamoxifen citrate (TMX) induce ovulation in women with PCOS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of CC and TMX on the autophagy pathway in PCOS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Experimental PCOS model was induced by letrozole (1 mg/kg) in rats by gavage for 21 days. After the last letrozole administration, rats were treated TMX (1 mg/kg) or CC (1 mg/kg) for 5 days. At the end of the experimental procedures, rats in all groups were sacrificed and ovarian tissues were removed. It was observed that mRNA and protein expressions of LC3-II were significantly higher in TMX and CC groups than control and PCOS groups (p < 0.05), while mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR in TMX and CC groups were found significantly lower than control and PCOS groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, present study suggests that TMX and CC induce autophagy in ovaries with PCOS. Autophagy is a promising target for understanding pathophysiology of this disease and for developing more effective and safe new protocols for the treatment of PCOS-related anovulation.

The anti-cancer potential of 2,4,6 tris-methyphenylamino1,3,5-triazine compound against mammary glands cancer: Via down-regulating the hormonal, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress

AIM OF THE STUDY

Breast cancer is caused by abnormal growth of the cells and progressed due to the over-expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR). The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of 2,4,6 tris-methyphenylamino1,3,5-triazine compound (MPAT) in N-nitroso, N-methyl urea (NMU)-induced mammary gland cancer.

METHODS

Molecular docking and in-vitro studies were conducted before the in-vivo analysis. Female Albino rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6). Group I received Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (1 mL/100 g). Group II (diseased group) received NMU 50 mg/kg. Group III (standard group) received tamoxifen (5 mg/kg). Group IV-V received MPAT at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg respectively. All groups received NMU intraperitoneally except the control group at 3 weeks intervals for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of NMU dosing, MPAT was given for 15 consecutive days. Biochemical, oxidative stress markers, hormonal profile, and inflammatory mediators were analyzed.

KEY FINDINGS

MPAT showed significant interaction with the selected targets in docking studies. An over-expression of ER and PR was observed in NMU-treated rats which were restored significantly after MPAT administration. Nitrite and MDA levels were high in the diseased group and MPAT treatment attenuated the oxidative damage after treatment. Antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), total sulfhydryl (TSH), glutathione (GSH), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values were low in NMU-treated rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study concluded that MPAT can be used as an anticancer agent due to its significant effects on down-regulating the hormonal profile and oxidative stress markers.

Therapeutic effects of thymoquinone in doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Cancer is a lethal disease that is characterized by uncontrolled cell division and proliferation, and it results in death in many organisms. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a therapeutic agent used for treatment of many cancer types, but it induces serious hepatotoxicity. In this study, we aimed to determine possible hepato-therapeutic effects of thymoquinone (THQ) on DOX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): Control, THQ (10 mg/kg/day/i.p for 14 days), Olive Oil (equal volume with THQ for 14 days), DOX (single dose, 15 mg/kg/i.p on 7th day) and DOX + THQ (10 mg/kg/day/i.p and DOX 15 mg/kg/i.p on 7th day). At the end of the experiment, liver tissues were extracted and evaluated histopathologically. eNOS, iNOS and Cas-3 immunostaining were performed to determine the expression levels. TUNEL method was used to determine apoptotic index. Furthermore, liver tissue total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), TNF-α and TGF-β levels were measured by ELISA assay. The DOX group showed histopathological deterioration compared to Control group. Moreover, apoptotic index, eNOS, iNOS and Cas-3 expressions increased in DOX group. While TAS level of the DOX group decreased, TOS level increased. TNF-α and TGF-β levels increased in DOX group. However, there was improvement in DOX + THQ group compared to DOX group. Moreover, apoptotic cell number, eNOS, iNOS and Cas-3 expressions decreased in DOX + THQ group compared to DOX group. We concluded that thymoquinone can be used as a phytotherapeutic for reducing DOX-induced liver damage.

Carnosol attenuates bleomycin-induced lung damage via suppressing fibrosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in rats

AIMS

Bleomycin, an important toxic anti-cancer agent, induces pulmonary fibrosis. The significance of oxidative stress and inflammation in promoting of bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been reported. Thus, we evaluated the protective effects of carnosol as a robust natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for bleomycin-related IPF in rats.

MAIN METHODS

Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly assigned to five groups. Group 1 was administrated with saline (intratracheally) on day 7 and oral gavage of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.05%) from day 1 to day 28. Group 2 received a single dose of bleomycin (intratracheally, 7.5 UI/kg) on day 7 and oral gavage of saline for 28 days. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were administrated with bleomycin (single dose) on day 7, along with oral administration of carnosol (at doses 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively) from day 1 to day 28. The lungs were isolated to measure the histopathological and biochemical and inflammatory markers.

KEY FINDINGS

Carnosol treatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl, tumor necrosis factor- α, interleukin-6 levels and myeloperoxidase activity in the lungs of rats exposed to bleomycin. Also, lung glutathione content, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities significantly increased in the carnosol/bleomycin-treated group than the bleomycin group. Lung index, hydroxyproline content, fibrosis and histopathological changes, also significantly decreased by carnosol therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE

Treatment with carnosol can modulate biochemical and histological alterations caused by bleomycin. Thus, it can be regarded as an appropriate therapeutic approach for IPF.

Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and osteoprotegerin in anthracycline-induced rabbit models of dilated cardiomyopathy

Anthracyclines are used for chemotherapy in small animal cancer patients. However, cardiotoxic complications are very common with anthracycline use and induce multi-organ complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between multi-organ complications, focusing on the liver and intestine, and the serum concentrations of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in rabbits with daunorubicin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Sixteen New Zealand white male rabbits (16-20 weeks old), weighing 2.4-3.65 kg, were randomly divided into the control (n = 8) and daunorubicin-induced DCM (n = 8) groups. The concentration of serum I-FABP was significantly elevated in the DCM group (201.9 ± 16.6 pg/mL) compared to the control group (152.2 ± 19.9 g/mL). Additionally, the concentration of serum lactate was markedly increased in the DCM group (0.16 ± 0.01 mM) compared to that in the control group (0.02 ± 0.01 mmol/mL). In addition, the OPG concentration was significantly higher in the DCM group (2.44 ± 0.14 ng/mL) than in the control group (0.1 ± 0.08 ng/mL). Although the histopathology of the ileum did not significantly differ between groups, pathological changes were observed in the livers of the DCM group animals. In conclusion, multi-organ complications were recognized in DCM models and were accompanied by elevated serum I-FABP and OPG concentrations.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol against Hepatotoxicity of Cadmium in Male Rats: Antioxidant and Histopathological Approaches

Cadmium (Cd) is widely used in some industries and emitted from fossil fuels. It is a heavy metal with a number of side effects, including hepatotoxicity. Resveratrol (Rs) is considered an important polyphenol, which is a secondary plant metabolite and has the ability to scavenge free radicals. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on Cd, which induced hepatotoxicity, by the assessment of some histopathological and biochemical alterations. Forty male albino rats were divided into four groups: the 1st group was the control group, the 2nd group was treated with Cd (5 mg/kg), the 3rd group was given Rs (20 mg/kg), and the 4th group was treated with Cd in combination with Rs intraperitoneally for 30 successive days. The results indicate that Cd increased liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase ALP and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) while reducing the total protein level; Cd increased the malondialdhyde (MDA) level while decreasing the levels of other antioxidant enzymes super oxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (SOD, CAT and GPx). Serious congestion and hemorrhage related to the hepatic tissues were noticed in the Cd group, and Rs plays a major role in alleviating histopathological injuries and hepatic oxidative damage. It is clear that Rs has the ability to minimize the hepatotoxicity induced by Cd in male rats.

Bioinspired Composite, pH-Responsive Sodium Deoxycholate Hydrogel and Generation 4.5 Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer Improves Cancer Treatment Efficacy via Doxorubicin and Resveratrol Co-Delivery

Maximizing the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) with a new drug delivery strategy is always desired in the field of biomedical science. Because the clinical applications of DOX in the treatment of cancer is limited by the side effects related to the dose. Herein, we report the co-loading of DOX and resveratrol (RESV) using an injectable in situ formed sodium deoxycholate hydrogel (Na-DOC-hyd) at the pH of the tumor extracellular microenvironment. The sequential, controlled, and sustained release of RESV and DOX for synergistic antitumor effects was confirmed by entrapping G4.5-DOX in the RESV-loaded Na-DOC hydrogel (Na-DOC-hyd-RESV). The synergistic antitumor activity of Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX was assessed on HeLa cell xenograft tumor in BALB/c nude mice. In the MTT biocompatibility assay, both the G4.5 PAMAM dendrimer and Na-DOC-hyd exhibited negligible cytotoxicity up to the highest dose of 2.0 mg mL-1 in HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and HaCaT cells. The release profiles of DOX and RESV from the Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX confirmed the relatively rapid release of RESV (70.43 ± 1.39%), followed by that of DOX (54.58 ± 0.62%) at pH 6.5 in the 7 days of drug release studies. A single intratumoral injection of Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX maximally suppressed tumor growth during the 28 days of the treatment period. Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX did not cause any histological damage in the major visceral organs. Therefore, this Na-DOC-hydrogel for dual drugs (DOX and RESV) delivery at the pH of the tumor extracellular microenvironment is a promising, safe, and effective combination for antitumor chemotherapy.

Naringenin Regulates Doxorubicin-Induced Liver Dysfunction: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an operational and largely used anticancer drug, used to treat an array of malignancies. Nonetheless, its beneficial use is constrained due to its renal and hepatotoxicity dose dependently. Numerous research findings favor the use of antioxidants may impact Dox-induced liver injury/damage. In the current study, Wistar rats were given naringenin (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) orally for 20 days as prophylactic dose, against the hepatotoxicity induced by single intraperitoneal injection of Dox (20 mg/kg b.wt.). Potency of naringenin against the liver damage caused by Dox was assessed by measuring malonyl aldehyde (MDA) as a by-product of lipid peroxidation, biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzyme system, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and inflammatory mediators. Naringenin-attenuated ROS production, ROS-induced lipid peroxidation, and replenished reduced antioxidant armory, namely, catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH). Naringenin similarly diminished expression of Cox-2 and levels of NF-κB and other inflammatory molecules induced by the Dox treatment. Histology added further evidence to the defensive effects of naringenin on Dox-induced liver damage. The outcomes of the current study reveal that oxidative stress and inflammation are meticulously linked with Dox-triggered damage, and naringenin illustrates the potential effect on Dox-induced hepatotoxicity probably through diminishing the oxidative stress and inflammation.

Resveratrol solid lipid nanoparticles to trigger credible inhibition of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX), a broad-spectrum chemotherapy drug, is clinically employed to treat cancers especially for breast cancer and lung cancer. But its clinical applications are limited by the dose-dependent cardiac toxicity. Resveratrol (Res), a polyphenolic antitoxin, has been proved to be capable of improving the cardiomyocyte calcium cycling by up-regulating SIRT-1-mediated deacetylation to inhibit DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to develop a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) loaded with Res to trigger inhibition of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods: Res-SLN was prepared by emulsification-diffusion method followed by sonication and optimized using central composite design/response surface method. The Res-SLN was further evaluated by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy for morphology and high performance liquid chromatography for drug loading and release profile. And the Res distribution in vivo was determined on rats while the effect of inhibit DOX-induced cardiotoxicity was investigated on mice.

Results: Res-SLN with homogeneous particle size of 271.13 nm was successfully formulated and optimized. The prepared Res-SLN showed stable under storage and sustained release profile, improving the poor solubility of Res. Heart rate, ejection fractions and fractional shortening of Res-SLN treating mice were found higher than those on mice with cardiac toxicity induced by single high-dose intraperitoneal injection of DOX. And the degree of myocardial ultrastructural lesions on mice was also observed.

Conclusion: Res-SLN has a certain therapeutic effect for protecting the myocardium and reducing DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.

Fluvastatin attenuates doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity in rats by reducing oxidative stress and regulating the blood–testis barrier via mTOR signaling pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline derivative antibiotic that still frequently used in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The clinical use of DOX is largely restricted due to acute and chronic renal, cardiac, hematological, and testicular toxicities. Previous studies have indicated that oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in germ cells are the main factors in DOX-induced testicular toxicity, but the entire molecular mechanisms that responsible for DOX-induced testicular damage are not yet fully understood. Fluvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering agent that acts by inhibiting hydroxylmethyl glutaryl coenzyme A, the key enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis. In addition to its cholesterol-lowering effect, fluvastatin showed an antioxidant effect by cleaning hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and this drug could have a protective effect by acting on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway in testicular damage caused by obesity. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of fluvastatin on the DOX-induced testicular toxicity model by histochemical, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. The present study indicates that fluvastatin may have a protective and therapeutic effect by removing reactive oxygen species and by regulating the mTOR, connexin 43, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid expressions, which play an important role in regulating the blood–testis barrier. On the other hand, the use of fluvastatin as a protective/prophylactic agent was found to be more effective than the use of this drug for treatment. In light of this information, fluvastatin may be a candidate agent that can be used to prevent testicular toxicity observed in men receiving DOX treatment.

Ferulic acid ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in rats

Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic compound with potent antioxidant activity. The objective of the study was to study the protective effects of FA on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced myocardial toxicity in rats. Wistar rats received vehicle (control) or Dox (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or telmisartan (Tel; 10 mg/kg, p.o.) or ferulic acid (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days followed by treatment with Dox (20) on the fifth day of treatment, except the control group. On day 8, electrocardiographic parameters were recorded followed by blood withdrawal and then the animals were sacrificed for histopathology. Administration of Dox showed prolonged RR, QTc interval, and QRS complex. The levels of serum CK-MB, LDH, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Similarly, levels of Ca⁺², Mg⁺² ATPase, and Ca⁺² ATPase and expression of ANP and BNP were significantly higher as compared to the control. In the FA-treated group, ECG was normal. The serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, IL-1β, and IL-6 were not elevated. Heart tissue Ca⁺², Mg⁺² ATPase, and Ca⁺² ATPase did not show a statistical difference compared to the control group. The FA treatment attenuated the expression of ANP and BNP. FA (20 and 40) augmented myocardial GSH and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase. Histopathology of the heart confirmed the cardioprotective effect of FA.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles: In pursuit of liver protection against doxorubicin-induced injury in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is considered as a backbone in several chemotherapeutic regimens. Nevertheless, the reported systemic toxicity usually hampers its broad application. Interestingly, Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) depicted promising regenerative antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials against multiple oxidative stress-induced pathologies. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine either CeONPs would display hepatoprotective properties once concomitantly administered with DOX or not. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 10) in a two weeks study: Control (received saline, IP injection thrice a week), CeO (0.5 mg/kg, IP injection once a week), DOX (2.5 mg/kg, IP injections thrice a week) and DOX + CeO (received both treatments). Hepatic toxicity was assessed by histological and ultrastructural studies. In addition, serum transaminases (ALT, AST) and malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, were evaluated. CeONPs were not only proved to be safe at the proposed dose, but also their concomitant administration with DOX managed to mitigate DOX-induced hepatic insult on both histological and biochemical aspects. Such hepatoprotective behavior was referred to the noticed antioxidant action CeONPs as highlighted by the significant difference in MDA levels.

Kolaviron and Garcinia kola attenuate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats

Background

The

Methods

Sixty male rats (Wistar strain) were used in this study. They were divided into 6 groups (A-F) each containing 10 animals. Group A was the control. Rats in Groups B, C, D, E and F were treated with doxorubicin at the dosage of 15 mg/kg body weight i.p. Prior to this treatment, rats in groups C, D, E and F were pre-treated orally with Kolaviron at the dosage of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, and

Results

The results show that doxorubicin caused a significant increase in heart rate and prolonged QT, reduced antioxidant status, increased oxidative stress, inflammation and markers of cardiac damage which were reversed by pre-treatment with Kolaviron and

Conclusions

Overall, pre-treatment with Kolaviron or

Neuroprotective effect of berberine against environmental heavy metals-induced neurotoxicity and Alzheimer's-like disease in rats

Heavy metals are reported as neurodegenerative disorders progenitor. They play a role in the precipitation of abnormal β-amyloid protein and hyper-phosphorylated tau, the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study aimed to validate the heavy metals-induced Alzheimer's-like disease in rats as an experimental model of AD and explore the therapeutic effect of berberine via tracking its effect on the oxidative stress-inflammatory pathway. Alzheimer's-like disease was induced in rats orally by a mixture of aluminium, cadmium and fluoride for three months, followed by berberine treatment for another one month. Berberine significantly improved the cognitive behaviors in Morris water maze test and offered a protective effect against heavy metals-induced memory impairment. Docking results showed that berberine inhibited AChE, COX-2 and TACE. Matching with in silico study, berberine downregulated the AChE expression and inhibited its activity in the brain tissues. Also, it normalized the production of TNF- α, IL-12, IL-6 and IL-1β. Moreover, it evoked the production of antioxidant Aβ40 and inhibited the formation of Aβ42, responsible for the aggregations of amyloid-β plaques. Histopathological examination confirmed the neuroprotective effect of berberine. The present data advocate the possible beneficial effect of berberine as therapeutic modality for Alzheimer's disease via its antiinflammatory/antioxidant mechanism.

Significance of Resveratrol in Clinical Management of Chronic Diseases

Resveratrol could be beneficial to health and provides protection against a wide array of pathologies and age-associated problems, as evident from preclinical studies. However, a comparison of animal and human studies reveals that this dietary polyphenol cannot protect against metabolic diseases and their associated complications. The clinical outcomes are affected by many factors such as sample size. This article not only presents a comprehensive review of the current advances concerning the dose, the extent of absorption, interaction and toxicity of resveratrol in human studies, but also describes its therapeutic effects against several chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and aging and the related diseases.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of resveratrol on nicotine-induced lung changes in male rats

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Nicotine decreased the antioxidant capacities in male rats.

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The lung of nicotine-treated rats showed severe congestion of the alveolar lung tissues.

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Resveratrol exerts its protective effect by alleviating the extent of oxidative status induced by nicotine.

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Resveratrol improve the enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system in rats treated with combination of nicotine and resveratrol.

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Resveratrol decreases the pathological changes in animals against the lung damage caused by nicotine.

Male albino rats of Wistar strain were injected intraperitoneally with nicotine or/and resveratrol for 4 weeks. Serum Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6, alpha-fetoprotein and tumor necrosis-alpha, as well as plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine of nicotine-treated rats were increased significantly. Myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation and total oxidative status of the lung in nicotine-treated rats were increased significantly, which were brought down to normal in resveratrol co-treated group. Endogenous antioxidant status as the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases were found to be decreased significantly in the lung of the nicotine-treated group, which were significantly raised in resveratrol-administered groups. The non-enzymatic antioxidants as total antioxidant and thiol levels were decreased significantly as the effect of nicotine that was effectively enhanced by resveratrol treatment. The lung of nicotine-treated rats showed severe congestion of the alveolar lung tissues with scattered congestion per bronchiolar and perivascular cells, as well as, inflammatory cells were observed. The data suggested that resveratrol exerts its protective effect by modulating the extent of oxidative status and improving the enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system, moreover, decreases the pathological changes in animals against the lung damage caused by nicotine.

Vitamin C mitigates oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

Increase in oxidative/nitrosative stress is one of the mechanisms associated with the development of cardiotoxicity due to doxorubicin (Dox), a potent chemotherapy drug. Previously, we reported mitigation of Dox-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress and apoptosis by vitamin C (Vit C) in isolated cardiomyocytes. In the present in vivo study in rats, we investigated the effect of prophylactic treatment with Vit C on Dox-induced apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, cardiac dysfunction, and Vit C transporter proteins. Dox (cumulative dose: 15 mg/kg) in rats reduced systolic and diastolic cardiac function and caused structural damage. These changes were associated with a myocardial increase in reactive oxygen species, reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities, increased expression of apoptotic proteins, and inflammation. Dox also caused an increase in the expression of proapoptotic proteins Bax, Bnip-3, Bak, and caspase-3. An increase in oxidative/nitrosative stress attributable to Dox was indicated by an increase in superoxide, protein carbonyl formation, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase (NOS) activity, protein nitrosylation, and inducible NOS protein expression. Dox increased the levels of cardiac proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, whereas the expression of Vit C transporter proteins (sodium-ascorbate cotransporter 2 and glucose transporter 4) was reduced. Prophylactic and concurrent treatment with Vit C prevented all these changes and improved survival in the Vit C + Dox group. Vit C also improved Dox-mediated systolic and diastolic dysfunctions and structural damage. These results suggest a cardioprotective role of Vit C in Dox-induced cardiomyopathy by reducing oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as improving Vit C transporter proteins.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This in vivo study provides novel data that vitamin C improves cardiac structure and function in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy by reducing oxidative/nitrosative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation along with upregulation of cardiac vitamin C transporter proteins. The latter may have a crucial role in improving antioxidant status in this cardiomyopathy.

The impact of aged garlic extract on adriamycin-induced testicular changes in adult male Wistar rats

Adriamycin (ADR), a potent cytotoxic drug, has many adverse effects on different body organs limiting its therapeutic uses. Aged garlic extract (AGE), a garlic preparation, contains many organosulfur compounds with potent antioxidant activity. This investigation was conducted to study the possible protective effects & the underlying the mechanism of AGE on ADR-induced testicular damage. Thirty-six adult male rats were assigned into six groups: a control, AGE-treated (250mg/kg once oral for 14days), ADR-treated (10mg/kg, i.p. once at day 8), AGE (7days before)+ADR (once at day 8), ADR (once on day 8)+AGE (7days after), AGE (14days)+ADR (once at day 8). At day 15; blood samples were collected then the animals were sacrificed and testicular samples were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Parenchymal disorganization, cellular degeneration, nuclear apoptosis, mitochondrial degeneration and cytoplasmic vacuolation, decrease count and increase abnormalities of sperms, low testosterone level, high MDA concentration, low GSH level, and decrease GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD activity were recorded in ADR-treated rats. Remarkable histological, biochemical and ultrastructural improvements were observed in the combined AGE plus ADR-treated groups. Thus, AGE can be used as an adjuvant therapy to resume male infertility and weak spermatogenesis induced by cytotoxic drugs or other environmental toxins through its cytoprotective and antioxidant properties.

Doxorubicin-induced nitrosative stress is mitigated by vitamin C via the modulation of nitric oxide synthases

An increase in oxidative stress is suggested to be the main cause in Doxorubicin (Dox)–induced cardiotoxicity. However, there is now evidence that activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrosative stress are also involved. The role of vitamin C (Vit C) in the regulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and reduction of nitrosative stress in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity is unknown. The present study investigated the effects of Vit C in the mitigation of Dox-induced changes in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), NOS activity, protein expression of NOS isoforms, and nitrosative stress as well as cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 in isolated cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes isolated from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were segregated into four groups: 1) control, 2) Vit C (25 µM), 3) Dox (10 µM), and 4) Vit C + Dox. Dox caused a significant increase in the generation of superoxide radical (O2·−), peroxynitrite, and NO, and these effects of Dox were blunted by Vit C. Dox increased the expression of iNOS and altered protein expression as well as activation of endothelial NOS (eNOS). These changes were prevented by Vit C. Dox induced an increase in the ratio of monomeric/dimeric eNOS, promoting the production of O2·−, which was prevented by Vit C by increasing the stability of the dimeric form of eNOS. Vit C protected against the Dox-induced increase in TNFα as well as a reduction in IL-10. These results suggest that Vit C provides cardioprotection by reducing oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation via a modulation of Dox-induced increase in the NO levels and NOS activity.

Oxidative stress, histopathological and electron microscopic alterations induced by dimethylnitrosamine in renal male mice and the protective effect of α-lipoic acid

BACKGROUND

Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) is a waste product of several industrial processes. α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like chemical also called as an antioxidant. Therefore, the study was designed to investigate the potential benefits of ALA in reducing the nephropathy of DMN in male mice.

METHODS

Animals were divided into 6 groups (n=8) and received their treatment for 4 weeks as follows: groups 1-4 served as control, ALA-treatment (16.12 mg/kg), DMN low dose treatment and DMN high dose treatment, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 received ALA before DMN low dose and DMN high dose, respectively. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and xanthine oxidase, total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation as well as the levels of uric acid and creatinine were determined. The histological and ultrastructure changes of renal tissue were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Treatment of the DMN mice with ALA showed a reduction in the levels of kidney nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, as well as creatinine and uric acid levels as compared with the DMN group. The results show that ALA plays an important role in quenching the free radicals resulting from the metabolism of DMN, thereby inhibiting lipid peroxidation and protecting membrane lipids from oxidative damage and, in turn, preventing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Histopathological and ultrastructure analysis of renal tissue confirmed the oxidative stress results occurred in DMN renal mice. Concomitant administration of ALA with DMN significantly decreased all the histopathological changes induced by DMN.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study elucidated the therapeutic effects of ALA administered in combination with DMN to minimize its renal toxicity.

Protective effects of dioscin against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity via adjusting FXR-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation

Dioscin shows active effects against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory kidney injury, however, little is known concerning the role of it on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced nephrotoxicity. In the present study, in vivo test of Dox-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and in vitro model in NRK-52E cells were developed. The results showed that dioscin significantly attenuated cell injury, obviously reduced ROS level in vitro, and markedly decreased the levels of BUN, Cr, MDA, and notably increased the levels of SOD, GSH and GSH-Px in rats. Mechanistic studies showed that dioscin significantly increased the levels of p-AMPKα, Nrf2, HO-1 and GST by activation of FXR against oxidative stress. In addition, dioscin suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and HMGB1, and subsequently decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α against inflammation. These results were further validated by knockdown of FXR using siRNA silencing, and abrogation of FXR using NDB (a FXR inhibitor) in NRK-52E cells, and the results suggested that the protective effect of dioscin against Dox- induced nephrotoxicity via adjusting FXR-mediated signal to suppress oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, molecular docking assay showed that dioscin directly targeted with FXR through competing with Helix12 (H12) by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effect and electrostatic interactions. In a word, our data showed that dioscin is a novel and potent FXR agonist to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress against Dox-induced nephrotoxicity.

Gallic acid grafting modulates the oxidative potential of ferrimagnetic bioactive glass-ceramic SC-45

Magnetite-containing glass-ceramics are promising bio-materials for replacing bone tissue after tumour resection. Thanks to their ferrimagnetic properties, they generate heat when subjected to an alternated magnetic field. In virtue of this they can be employed for the hyperthermic treatment of cancer. Moreover, grafting anti-cancer drugs onto their surface produces specific anti-neoplastic activity in these biomaterials. Gallic acid (GA) exhibits antiproliferative activity which renders it a promising candidate for anticancer applications. In the present paper, the reactivity of ferrimagnetic glass-ceramic SC-45 grafted with GA (SC-45+GA) was studied in terms of ROS release, rupture of the C-H bond of the formate molecule and Fenton reactivity by EPR/spin trapping in acellular systems. The ability of these materials to cause lipid peroxidation was assessed by UV-vis/TBA assay employing linoleic acid as a model of membrane lipid. The results, compared to those obtained with SC-45, showed that GA grafting (i) significantly enhanced the Fenton reactivity and (ii) restored the former reactivity of SC-45 towards both the C-H bond and linoleic acid which had been completely suppressed by prolonged contact with water. Fe²⁺ centres at the surface are probably implicated. GA, acting as a pro-oxidant, reduces Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ by maintaining a supply of Fe²⁺ at the surface of SC-45+GA.

Resveratrol inhibits doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via sirtuin 1 activation in H9c2 cardiomyocytes

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient drug used in cancer therapy; however, it can induce severe cytotoxicity, which limits its clinical application. In the present study, the effects of resveratrol (RES) on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation in mediating DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cardiac cells was investigated. H9c2 cells were exposed to 5 µM DOX for 24 h to establish a model of DOX cardiotoxicity. Apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes was assessed using the MTT assay and Hoechst nuclear staining. The results demonstrated that pretreating H9c2 cells with RES prior to the exposure of DOX resulted in increased cell viability and a decreased quantity of apoptotic cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that DOX decreased the expression level of SIRT1. These effects were significantly alleviated by co-treatment with RES. In addition, the results demonstrated that DOX administration amplified forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and P53 expression levels in H9c2 cells. RES was also found to protect against DOX-induced increases of FoxO1 and P53 expression levels in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, the protective effects of RES were arrested by the SIRT1 inhibitor nicotinamide. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that RES protected H9c2 cells against DOX-induced injuries via SIRT1 activation.

Resveratrol protects cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-induced apoptosis through the AMPK/P53 pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient drug used in cancer therapy; however, it has severe cardiotoxic side effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/P53 pathway in mediating DOX-induced cytotoxicity. H9c2 cells were exposed to 5 µM DOX for 24 h to establish a model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. DOX administration amplified P53 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax) expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression in H9c2 cells. Resveratrol increased the cell viability and decreased the apoptotic rate. In addition, resveratrol markedly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK. Of note, resveratrol protected against DOX-induced increases of P53 and Bax and also prevented the downregulation of Bcl-2 in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, AMPK inhibitor Compound C abolished the protective effects of resveratrol. The results of the present study therefore indicated that resveratrol protected H9c2 cells from DOX-induced apoptosis via the AMPK/P53 pathway.

Acute Treatment of Resveratrol Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Myotoxicity in Aged Skeletal Muscle Through SIRT1-Dependent Mechanisms

Study of the exacerbating effects of chemotherapeutics, such as doxorubicin, on the impairment of insulin metabolic signaling in aged skeletal muscle is very limited. Here, we tested the hypothesis that activation of sirtuin 1 deacetylase activity by resveratrol would prevent the disruption of insulin signaling and augmentation of catabolic markers induced by doxorubicin in aged skeletal muscle. Two- and 10-month-old senescence-accelerated mice (prone 8) were randomized to receive saline, doxorubicin, doxorubicin and resveratrol, or a combination of doxorubicin, resveratrol, and sirtinol or EX527. Doxorubicin reduced the sirtuin 1 activity without affecting the phosphorylation levels of IRS1(Ser307), mTOR(Ser2481), Akt(Thr308/Ser473), membranous glucose transporter 4, protein abundance of PDK4, and enzymatic activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase in aged muscles. Intriguingly, resveratrol attenuated the doxorubicin-induced elevations of apoptotic and catabolic markers measured as Bax, caspase 3 activity, apoptotic DNA fragmentation, MuRF-1, ubiquitinated proteins, and proteasomal activity in aged muscles, whereas these beneficial effects were abolished on inhibition of sirtuin 1 by sirtinol or EX527. Markers of insulin signaling were not affected by doxorubicin or resveratrol in the senescent skeletal muscle. Nevertheless, the antiapoptotic and anticatabolic effects of resveratrol in aged skeletal muscle treated with doxorubicin were mediated in a sirtuin 1-dependent signaling manner.

Effects of doxorubicin mediated by gold nanoparticles and resveratrol in two human cervical tumor cell lines

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles capped with resveratrol (GNPs) and their physical and chemical characterization by UV-vis spectra, FTIR, DLS, XRD, TEM and AFM are reported. The GNPs are highly stable, with average diameter of about 20 nm. Then, supramolecular nanoassemblies of GNPs and doxorubicin (Dox), Dox-GNPs complexes, were prepared and morphologically characterized. The stability of these Dox nanocomplexes is high in phosphate buffer saline as estimated by UV-vis spectra, TEM and AFM analysis. Effects of resveratrol (Resv), Resv-Dox mixtures, GNPs and Dox-GNPs complexes on HeLa and CaSki cells, after 24h drug incubation, were assessed using MTT cell viability assay. Results showed strong anticancer activity for Resv-Dox mixtures and Dox-GNPs complexes in the two human cervical carcinoma cell lines. Clearly, both Resv and GNPs can mediate the anticancer activity of Dox at its very low concentration of 0.1 μg/mL, reaching the cytotoxicity of Dox alone, at its concentration up to 20 times higher. Cytotoxic effects of Resv-Dox mixtures and Dox-GNPs complexes have been found for the first time in HeLa and CaSki cells. Furthermore, the apoptosis induction in HeLa and CaSki cells was evidenced for Resv-Dox mixtures and Dox-GNPs complexes by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide cellular staining. For CaSki cells, the apoptosis was also demonstrated, mainly for the treatment with Dox-GNPs complexes, by MTT formazan cellular staining visualized in phase contrast microscopy. Our results provide strong evidence that novel drug delivery vehicles developed on Dox-GNPs nanocomplexes and Resv could have wide applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Concanavalin-A-Induced Acute Hepatic Injury in Mice

Pharmacologic Relevance. Resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from grapes, has been reported to modulate the inflammatory process. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol and its mechanism of protection on concanavalin-A- (ConA-) induced liver injury in mice. Materials and Methods. Acute autoimmune hepatitis was induced by ConA (20 mg/kg) in Balb/C mice; mice were treated with resveratrol (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage for fourteen days prior to a single intravenous injection of ConA. Eight hours after injection, histologic grading, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and hedgehog pathway activity were determined. Results. After ConA injection, the cytokines IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased, and Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Glioblastoma- (Gli-) 1, and Patched (Ptc) levels significantly increased. Pretreatment with resveratrol ameliorated the pathologic effects of ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis and significantly inhibited IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, Shh, Gli-1, and Ptc. The effects of resveratrol on the hedgehog pathway were studied by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Resveratrol decreased Shh expression, possibly by inhibiting Shh expression in order to reduce Gli-1 and Ptc expression. Conclusion. Resveratrol protects against ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis by decreasing cytokines expression in mice. The decreases seen in Gli-1 and Ptc may correlate with the amelioration of hedgehog pathway activity.

Resveratrol supplementation: Where are we now and where should we go?

Pre-clinical findings have provided mounting evidence that resveratrol, a dietary polyphenol, may confer health benefits and protect against a variety of medical conditions and age-related complications. However, there is no consistent evidence of an increased protection against metabolic disorders and other ailments when comparing studies in laboratory animals and humans. A number of extraneous and potential confounding variables can affect the outcome of clinical research. To date, most of the studies that have investigated the effect of resveratrol administration on patient outcomes have been limited by their sample sizes. In this review, we will survey the latest advances regarding the timing, dosage, formulation, bioavailability, toxicity of resveratrol, and resveratrol-drug interactions in human studies. Moreover, the present report focuses on the actions of resveratrol treatment in combating diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related ailments.